Raffle raises over £3,000 for terminally ill Drumquin bride-to-be

A RAFFLE in aid of a Drumquin bride-to-be with terminal cancer and her family has already raised over £3,000.

The draw was set up by Tara McCanny and Michelle McElroy after they saw a post on social media asking for people to help mum-of-five Danielle Donnelly and her fiance Darren Collins.

After an avalanche of support from the local community, the couple have everything they need to have their dream wedding at the Silverbirch Hotel on July 28.

Previously, when Danielle was initially diagnosed with cancer, an appeal raised more than £20,000 so the much-loved family could spend more time together.

More recently, Tara and Michelle, whose children attend the same playgroup as Danielle’s, decided to organise a raffle.

After receiving Danielle’s consent, they reached local businesses to offer prizes, and they advertised the draw on Facebook.

So far, their raffle has raised £3,000, with donations coming in from as far as Australia.

Tara and Michelle said they’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of people willing to donate.

They also thanked all the local businesses who’ve donated prizes.

Michelle told the UlsterHerald, “We saw the post about Darren and Danielle needing help with the wedding, and Tara and I asked what we could do to help. We decided on putting together a raffle with prizes from local businesses. Soon we had a list of over 50 prizes, all donated by generous local businesses.”

Speaking about the raffle, Danielle told the UlsterHerald that she was blown away with the continuing generosity of people.

She said, “People really are amazing. I am blown away with the generosity my family has received.

“I want to thank everyone who has donated so far. and all the businesses that have helped out.”

To enter the raffle, you can go to Michelle McElroy’s Facebook page.